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Enjoy 4 Latin Events In Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic becomes the most Salsera in Europe during the month of love and friendship

Every month Prague becomes the center of the Salsero movement in the country. Latin music clubs are currently open, a traditional festival is scheduled to take place at the end of February, and a piano concert with a Venezuelan artist will take place on Monday 21^st. So, continue reading this article created especially for you and find out about the details of each event related to Latin music.

La Bodeguita Del Medio

The most emblematic Restaurant / Bar in Havana (Cuba) located in “The City of One Hundred Towers” for two decades keeps its doors open and its hours this month.

La Bodeguita del Medio is designed in the colonial style of 20th century Havana and at the bar, in addition to the mojitos, you can also try more than 150 types of short and long drinks. Regarding the menu (in Spanish) you will find the typical Havana specialties, as well as seafood, fish, vegetables, and a variety of meat. Also, you can attend every day at noon and enjoy the European international menu.

This Restaurant/Bar features a live Cuban band (usually trios) and performances by Latin dancers every night. La Bodeguita del Medio is located at Kaprova 19, 1 10 00 in the Old Town, Prague.

La Macumba

Every day (except Sundays) is a day of continuous festivities lasting eleven hours, and the cost of entry is around five euros.

Saturday nights are more crowded, so it is recommended to go before 11:00 PM to dance on the dance floor with a large space. Also, to order your favorite cocktail you don’t need to know the national language because the waiters are Cuban and speak Spanish.

To attend La Macumba it is recommended to dress casually and not to carry excess belongings. The recommended minimum limit to have fun inside the bar is two hours due to a large number of activities, the best DJs in Prague mixing the greatest hits of Latin music (DJ Alejandro, DJ Chocolino, DJ Lázaro, DJ Mário, and others), Theme parties with programs and demonstrations several times a week, and various instructors who teach fans and enthusiasts to move to the rhythm of Salsa. This bar is located at Štefánikova 230/7 150 00 Prague 5-Anděl, Czech Republic. So, enjoy La Macumba in the month of love and friendship.

Prague Bachata Festival 2022

Couple dancing at Praga Bachata Festival — Prague Bachata Festival has not been held since 2019

Prague Bachata Festival was created together with Bachata Souls (Pavel & Eli), two professional dancers who stand out in this Dominican rhythm. This Latin festival will take place from Friday, February 25^th to Sunday, February 27^th after a two-year break due to the pandemic. Here you will have the opportunity to enter the international dance scene in the Czech Republic, as well as meet new friends and gain progress in the current level of dance.

Prague Bachata Festival 2022 will take place at the Olympik Hotel, and the Full Pass is around 142 euros. There will be five international couples that will show their execution and perfect mastery of dance in shows and workshops with the combination of DJ Alejandro (Spain), DJ Husky (Israel), and DJ Dim5nsions (United Kingdom) doing their best mixes. Prague Bachata Festival 2022 is preparing this event for you.

Gabriela Montero In Concert

Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero is one of the most virtuous Latin women of classical piano. This exceptional artist has great improvisational skills and has performed with the world’s leading orchestras including New York, Los Angeles, Royal Liverpool, Rotterdam, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestras, the Canadian National Center for the Arts Orchestra, and many more.

This famous pianist released her most recent album “Latino” in the fall of 2019, and also she got the Latin Grammy for Best Classical Music Album for her first orchestral composition “Ex Patria”.

Gabriela Montero will offer a classical piano concert this Monday, February 21^st at 7:30 PM, and you have the opportunity to enjoy it at the Rudolfinum located in Alšovo nábř. 12, 110 00 Josefov. This cultural center dates back to the 19th century and has concert halls, an art gallery, and exhibition spaces.

You Can Also Read: Why Does Everyone Know La Bodeguita Del Medio In Prague?

News “En Clave”

The Most Recent News of the Salsero Movement in Spain

Group of people dancing in Salason in Spain — Salason continues offering Salsa and Bachata lessons from 3rd –24th February

We opened this section to the northwest of the country at Calle Lirio, 30 Cangas Do Morrazo, 36940 in Galicia with Latin Dance classes in Salason. This culture platform is designed for the reception of musical performances with exceptional acoustics and cutting-edge technology. Salason is a building structured in three independent but complementary environments at the same time. Salsa and Bachata classes begin this second month of the year from Thursday, February 3^rd.

The Objectives of these Cuban-style Salsa and Rueda Casino classes, as well as the traditional Bachata lessons, are fun and disconnect from the routine with the rhythm of Latin music. Also, it improves coordination and body expression coupled with the new relationships that are established between people with similar pleasures.

On Tuesdays, there are two groups for intermediate students: The Salsa class starts at 8 PM while the Bachata group starts at 8:30 PM.

Thursdays are classes for beginners and have two times of choice: 8 PM and 9:30 PM. For more information, venture to visit its official website.

We continue in the north of Spain with Cuba’s house in Barcelona, El Sabor Cubano BCN. This Nightclub offers live music, Cuban Salsa, International Salsa, Bachata, and urban rhythms with DJs. It also has Salsa and Bachata instructors who give free lessons for beginners at 9:30 PM every Thursday and Sunday. The virtuous pianist Luis Alberto Díaz “El Negri” together with singer “Changui” will be playing the best songs of traditional Cuban music (for two and a half hours) this February 3^rd to Sunday, February 27^th. El Sabor Cubano BCN opens its doors from 7:00 PM to 12:30 AM at Francisco Giner 32 Street, 08012, Barcelona. Have a memorable moment in this nightclub with a good atmosphere, friendly and impeccable service, and an authentic Cuban mojito. You find more details on their social media.

You Can Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About ABCD Festival In London

Joel Santos flyer to perform at Baby'Oh Sala & Baile in Spain — 10 936 people have registered a visit in Baby’Oh Sala & Baile according to data provided by their Facebook page

Now, we jump to the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula with the Bachata concert of one of the Dominican Republic’s favorite singers, Joel Santos. The creator of hits such as Si Esta Casa Hablara, Al Diablo, Me Enamoré De ti, and many more will perform this Friday, February 11^th at the Baby’Oh Elche dance hall located at Sabadell Street, 16, 03203 Elx, Alicante. General tickets are € 15 while VIP tickets range from € 20 – € 35, but if you prefer to buy the ticket at the door, it will cost € 25 per person.

Baby’Oh Sala & Baile is a meeting point to enjoy Salsa, Bachata, and the Kizomba genre. This space with a large room for dancing has a terrace for smokers, VIP and Reserved area, Table Service; they also offer events and live performances with famous and emerging artists of the popular Latin rhythms.

Additionally, Salsa and Bachata workshops are held on Saturdays, while on Sundays, they add kizomba lessons in this place. Communicate with them through their Facebook page.

The last event that we bring this month is the Souldance Salsa & Bachata Festival from Friday 4^th to Sunday, February 6^th at the Guitart Central Park Aqua Resort hotel located at Constantí Ribalaigua Street, 7, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona.

This second edition of the festival, created for Salsa and Bachata lovers, comes loaded with great workshops with high-level professional dancers that will make you learn and enjoy Salsa and Bachata. They will also have shows, social dancing and lots of fun during the first weekend of this month at the price of € 85 for the Full Pass. To purchase the ticket and find out the schedule for Souldance Salsa & Bachata Festival visit the BSK Dancer online store (promoter of events related to Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba in Spain).

What’s Happening in London?

Five Salsa & Latin Jazz Events To Be Held In The UK Capital That You Can’t-Miss

The United Kingdom has removed essential restrictions against Covid-19 and its Omicron variant after battling weeks with the new wave of infections in the country since the end of last year.

The British executive has provided the relaxation of the restrictive measures due to the low numbers of infected people and deaths. This relaxation seeks to initiate the return to complete normality.

The new measures that are no longer mandatory are the use of masks (it will be at personal discretion, however, they must wear them if the site is crowded with unknown people or it is a closed space), and Covid passports are no longer a legal requirement to enter to the establishment.

For these reasons, we bring you a range of options in the Salsa & Latin Jazz genres in the country this month that you will be excited to see, and that you will not want to miss any detail. Here, we go…

latin woman with orange dress dancing in gabeto restaurant / bar — Gabeto offers Cuban, Colombian, and Puerto Rican Salsa style, classes

We open this poster of options with the Gabeto Camden Restaurant/Bar. This Cuban gem north of the city has two floors, a Latin atmosphere, and an outdoor terrace. They serve genuine Latin dishes, modern British drinks with Afro-Caribbean twists, and have a wide variety of nightly events throughout the week.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays you will live the Salsa experience with the instructor Ramiro Zapata (from Bolivia) with more than 20 years of experience in Salsa. Ramiro teaches his Cross Body style with a mix of Cuban, Colombian, and Puerto Rican Salsa, as well as a strong focus on Cali (Colombia) style footwork, male body movement, and female style. The cost of the lessons varies depending on the length of instruction; one hour is £10 while two hours cost £12. Lessons start at 7:30 PM and end at 9:30 PM except on Sundays with Rumba Pa’ Ti classes which are from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The Cuban spirit is found in Gabeto, located at Camden Market, The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, a few minutes from Camden Town and Chalk Farm stations. Only people over 18 can attend and for more details, visit their website.

pink flyer with the event of San valentine in Salsa Temple Bar — Sundays at the Salsa Temple Bar are 9 continuous hours of Salsa

We continue with the Salsa Temple Bar. Every Sunday they are explosively Salseros. DJs Jorge Andre & DJ Jlatino mix the most recognized songs of yesterday and today from Timba, Salsa, Cubaton, and Bachata. Beginner Salsa Classes start at 6 PM, Bachata lessons at 7 PM, and Cuban Salsa instruction is at 8 PM. The cost for admission is £5 and on February 14^th, they will offer the Valentine’s Night Fuego event.

Starting this month Salsa Temple Bar with Rhythm & Vibes Dance Co and The Latin Collective will make Monday nights the biggest Afro-Latin party in the country appearing in the Latin Room (Second Room) Salsa, Bachata, and Reggaeton. In addition to this, there will be Salsa and Bachata classes for one session (1 hour) for £7 and two sessions (2 hours) for £10.

Bar Salsa Temple is located at Temple Station WC2R 2PH. Join and experience the Sabor in detail on its official website.

Roberto Plas playing the Timbal — Roberto Pla is the Colombian percussionist known as the “Father of Latin Music” in the UK

As a third option, we bring you the concert of Roberto Pla’s Latino ensemble on Friday, February 4^th at Pizza Express – Holborn. This Latin Jazz concert led by Colombian percussionist Roberto Pla is made up of a 12-piece band of saxophones, trumpets, trombones plus a powerful layered percussion section with Roberto on timbales and the powerful voice of Graciela Rodríguez.

The most recent presentations of the Latin Ensemble orchestra have been the Brecon Jazz Festival, Expo Festival Lisbon, Canada Square Festival, Under the Stars Festival, among many others.

Admission to enjoy this live performance is £25 and starts at 8:00 PM. The venue is Pizza Express Jazz Club located at 99 High Holborn since 2017. This Jazz Club is considered one of the best clubs of its kind in Britain with an international reputation. Performances by Grammy winners such as Gregory Porter and Amy Winehouse have been seen here.

Trumpeter with beige suit on Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club — The Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club presents every Friday of the month “Viva Cuba Live”

We continue with the most important and historic jazz club in the world founded in 1959, Ronnie Scott’s. In addition to the main club, there is the bar known as Upstairs @ Ronnie’s, it is highly regarded as an elegant and luxurious venue recreating the atmosphere of the ’50s, ideal for spending the night in style.

As part of the new Jazz club policy, they are expanding their program of Latin events at Upstairs @ Ronnie’s. Below I detail the events that will be held on Fridays from 6 PM during this month.

Jesús Cutiño Band + DJ Gavin (February 4^th). Jesús Cutiño is a Cuban singer-songwriter recognized as one of the best Tres players in Europe (the Tres is the Cuban guitar that forms one of the pillars of the Cuban Son sound).

Sarabanda + DJ Rico (February 11^th). With this band, you will listen to arrangements of classic and contemporary Cuban songs.

Son Yambu + DJ Jim (February 18^th). This group plays the authentic Cuban Son that originated in the streets of eastern Cuba at the beginning of the last century and later gave rise to modern Salsa. Most of the members come from Cuba and have the experience of a lifetime playing the genre, as well as being passionate about maintaining the traditions of Cuban Son.

Havana Latin Fun + DJ Alex (February 25^th). This five-piece band led by piano/vocals René Álvarez presents Cuban melodies with amazing rhythms.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is located at 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT, and you can find out more by clicking here.

Bishopsgate institute with green flag — The Latin and Ballroom Dance course for beginners will be held in person

We close this list of Latin events in London with the Latin and ballroom dance lessons for beginners next Saturday, February 12^th. With this one-day course, you will learn how to perform the basic steps, footwork and move around the floor with the correct dance line. The hours will be between 11 AM and 4 PM, and the price is £25. The maximum limit is 30 students. The venue is the Bishopsgate Institute located at 230 Bishopsgate EC2M 4QH. An institution was erected for the benefit of the public in 1894 with the motto “I never stop learning”.

You Can Also Read: 6 Clubs To Dance Salsa In London

Junito Albino and his collaborations with many orchestras

How Junito Albino began his career

Junito Albino is one of those artists who has been influenced by some of the greatest artists in Latin music and that has led him to become what he is today. Julio Junito Albino was born in New York in 1962 and got curious about the same music at the age of 11, after which he joined the school band of San Germán until he graduated from high school. When he was still a teenager, he began to play timbales with the first group to which he belonged, whose name was Orquesta La Crítica and belonged to director and trumpeter Fernando Vega.

When he attained the proper age, he began to study music education at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico in 1980, when he would be a part of the Orquesta Kachende de Mayaguez whose direction was by Gilberto Gili Toro. With this group of musicians, he released his first record production. By that time, he met singer-songwriter Antony Martínez, with whom he would have a great friendship.

Julio Albino — Renowed timbalero Julio *Junito* Albino

In 1983, he went to live in New York City and began collaborating with the Orquesta de Los Hermanos Colón, with whom he wasted no time in returning to the Island of Enchantment to do some live performances. With this same group, he recorded his second album Ámame Un Poquito Más, which was directed by Sergio George.

Some of the orchestras with which Albino worked

Another of the most important society that Albino achieved realizing during his career was with Joe Quijano’s orchestra and his Conjunto Cachana, with whom he had the opportunity to share the stage with La Guarachera de Cuba Celia Cruz, The King of Timbales Tito Puente, Latin Grammy winner Ray Santos, talented pianist Charlie Palmieri and many others.

In 1986, he was fortunate to accompany some of the greatest artists from Latin genres such as Paquito Guzman, Marvin Santiago, Hector Tricoche and many more. One of the greatest unions that he would give tangible shape to would be with Moncho Santana’s Orchestra, former vocalist of Grupo Niche, with whom he chalked up enormous successes and demonstrated all his talent. However, collaborations would not stop there.

Junito also came to be part of the orchestra of Tito Nieves and that of Ramon Rodriguez. The latter was directed by pianist Gilberto Colón, Jorge González (bongo) and Willie Romero (conga). With all his accumulated experience at this point in his life, it was not difficult for him to find a place in the Orquesta Tártaro led by Franke Ruíz.

When he moved back to Puerto Rico, he was also in other orchestras in the country such as Puerto Rican Power, Jorge Carrión, Luisito Escobar and many more. In addition to the foregoing, he has managed to work as a producer and musician in a large number of independent groups collaborating with percussion, timbales, bongo and other instruments.

After a successful career in other groups, he decided to create his own orchestra, Secreto A Voces, in which genres such as salsa and Latin jazz stand out. His first album was called Báilalo and contained songs of his own that were big hits in some European countries such as Italy. His second album was entitled Haciendo Ruido and included the participation of artists such as Nino Segarra, Jaime Rivero, among others.

Salsa Superior Award won by Secreto A Voces in the category of musical quality

By: Johnny Cruz correspondent of International Salsa Magazine in New York City, New York

Live music and other news in the SF Bay Area

Renowned timbalero, composer, bandleader and vocalist Mario Solomon is the leader of one of the hottest groups performing modern Cuban Dance music in the US: Mario Y Su Timbeko. Although Mario moved from Oakland to Austin, Texas during the pandemic, he hasn’t stopped his original music from coming out. His latest single “Sola Te Quedaste” follows three singles that he has released during the pandemic: “Llego Lo Que Te Esperabas”, “Lo Mas Grande” and “Nadie Sabe Nada”. These songs are to be released as an EP in the first quarter of this year. Mario Y Su Timbeko consisting of bassist Ayla Davila, guitarist David Lechuga, vocalist and keyboardist Jordan Wilson, pianist and recording producer Jason Moen and conguero Carlitos Medrano will be performing a special concert “Timbeko By The Bay at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley on Saturday, February 12 starting at 8 pm.

Mario explained that the show is like taking a trip with the history of Cuban Music featuring traditional rhythms of Danzon, Cha Cha Cha, Boleros and Changui which will be the focus of the first set. The second set will feature original music with selections from the new EP. Many Bay Area-Northern California dancers and listeners alike are big fans of Timbeko’s infectious timba sound which contains elements of RnB, Gospel and Funk. Mario hopes to have copies of the EP ready to sell at the dance/concert. There will also be a dance after party with DJ Antonio included in the admission to the show. For more information on the concert, visit lapena.org. For more information on Mario Y Su Timbeko, check out their page on Facebook and Instagram.

Mario Mayito Salomón — Mario *Mayito* Salomón

Montuno Productions will be presenting a Valentine’s Day Concert as part of their Bay Area Latin Jazz Series at Oakland’s fine art deco California Ballroom located on 1736 Franklin Street. This triple billed show will feature the debut of Cuban jazz vocalist Jessy Diaz accompanied by 4 time Grammy award winner Oscar Hernandez of Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Edgardo Cambon and Candela and ending the show with be the MP All Star Salsa Project directed by pianist Israel “Izzy” Tannenbaum (formerly of Grupo Niche). I will be your Master of Ceremonies and DJ for the entire evening. Cuban food will be available for hungry patrons at the concert/dance. For more ticket information on this dance/concert, you can visit montunoproductions.com

Major cancellations and postponements continue due to the latest Omicron variant of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Victor Manuelle concert/dance scheduled for the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame has been postponed until Saturday, April 9th per show producers JC Coral and Bosco Vega. Cuban born Brother-virtuosos violinist Ilmar and pianist Aldo Lopez-Gavilàn protagonists of the film documentary Los Hermanos/The Brothers cancelled their scheduled January 23rd concert at U.C. Berkeley’s Zellerbach Auditorium. There is no rescheduled date for that show.

On the local club front, Oakland’s own Fresquecito Timba DJ monthly at La Furia Chalaca near Jack London Square produced by DJ Walt Digz was cancelled as well at the beginning of January but the event will be back in February. The Ramp in San Francisco has temporarily suspended their live and DJ music shows per order of the San Francisco Port. The Ramp is hoping to resume their live music dates in March. Other venues such as Space 550 just didn’t reopen in January but will reopen on February 11th with Julio Bravo y Salsabor headlining their Valentine’s Day weekend party. You may want to double check that the venue is still open and that live music is still going to be presented on the night that you are planning to go out.

A scene of many a popular, crowded club night, Lukas on West Grand and Broadway in Oakland the home of Thursday Cuban nights will close at the end of January. Ahi Na Ma, the production company in charge of the popular Cuban dance night featuring DJ’s Leydis and Antonio have announced that their weekly event will move to a new location soon to be announced.

Ex El Gran Combo vocalist Charlie Aponte will be visiting the SF Bay Area on Friday, April 1 at Roccapulco, 3140 Mission St. in San Francisco. Jaffe Events will be presenting the show. Look for Aponte to feature original material from his recordings as well as the many hit songs he recorded with El Gran Combo during his tenure with this great musical institution. It promises to be a smokin’ show!!

The Seahorse in Sausalito continues to buck the trend and continues to present live music on their outdoors patio stage on Saturday and Sunday evenings starting around 5 pm. They are featuring Orquesta Taino Feb 6, Karabali with Karl Perazo of Santana and Michael Spiro Feb 12, Louie Romero & Mazacote Feb 13, Salsa Caliente w/Gary Flores Feb 19, Edgardo Cambon & Candela Feb 20 and Braulio Barrera’s Somos El Son on Feb 27th. KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz is the house DJ behind the decks.

Another venue that has stayed open for business in spite of this tough COVID time is the Cigar Bar, 850 Montgomery St. in San Francisco. You can still enjoy good drinks, fine food and a selection of cigars for your enjoyment. They have a full schedule on Fridays and Saturdays for February which includes Somos El Son Feb. 4, N’Rumba Feb. 5, Manteca, Feb. 11, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble, Feb. 12, La Clave Del Blanco, Feb. 18, Edgardo Cambon y Candela Feb. 19, The Latin Rhythm Boys Feb. 25 and Pacho Y Orquesta Evolution on Feb. 26. Schedule subject to change due to COVID so check their calendar to confirm acts. Visit their website at www.cigarbarandgrill.com

BY LUIS MEDINA, PRODUCER AND HOST OF CON SABOR ON KPFA 94.1 FM AND SABIDURIA CON TUMBAO ON WORLD SALSA RADIO.COM